Arik Sacks Pilots For Embarking On Strike

Emerging reports have claimed that Arik Air has dismissed some of its pilots for embarking on a strike.

The airline described as gross act of indiscipline the alleged decision of the pilots to embark on the strike “without recourse to lay down procedures.”

In a statement, the airline said: “The management of Arik Air (In Receivership) on Tuesday, December 21, 2021 dismissed several of its pilots for gross acts of indiscipline. The affected pilots were dismissed for embarking on a strike action without recourse to lay down procedures.

“The pilots did not serve a strike notice in accordance with labour laws. They neither submitted any issue of dispute to the National Association of Airline Pilots and Engineers, their umbrella union nor did they submit any statement of demands to the management of the company.

“There were also no ongoing discussions between the management and the pilots on any unresolved labour issues. Their actions were spontaneous and callous.”

The company added that it was an act of betrayal for some of its pilots to engage in a strike action during the Yuletide season as it is its peak period for travel.

The airline said it had had fruitful discussions with relevant aviation unions including the National Association of Airline Pilots and Engineers, on conditions of service for all employees recently.

It added that this had led to the signing of a robust condition of service and redundancy benefits for staff.